Video: Boys and Girls Clubs Thank Volunteers

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Everyday, during the school year and summer break, hundreds of young men and women get valuable tools and skills to help them excel in life.

It’s part of the mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Mississippi and this morning, those who help make it all happen, were honored. WCBI’s Allie Martin reports.

It was an opportunity to thank supporters and volunteers who help the Boys and Girls Clubs.

“This is our Champions for Youth Breakfast,” said Zell Long, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Mississippi.

The Haven Acres Boys and Girls Club hosted the annual breakfast. It was a chance to recognize those who support the organization financially and through volunteer efforts.

Several groups of Tupelo High School seniors were honored. Each group made the Boys and Girls Club part of their senior project.

“Our project is based on Club Buddies. We worked at the Boys and Girls Club in Haven Acres and we taught kids how to interact with people, it also brought us out of our comfort zone,” said Shalei Owens, a THS Senior.

Each day, more than 150 young people between the ages of 6 and 18 attend either the Northside Club or the Haven Acres Club.

It takes a lot of resources to fund the activities and the breakfast also became the forum to officially kick off a fundraising drive.

The fundraising goal announced at this breakfast is 200 thousand dollars. Eighty eight thousand dollars has already been pledged and it is an investment that pays off in many ways.

“Power Hour is the program that assists with the homework and we are so pleased that for our two clubs combined, the GPA now is 3 .1. We also provide them opportunities to learn to make good choices, character and leadership and healthy lifestyles,” Long said.

Consistent results like that are one reason Ted Moll helps raise money for the Boys and Girls Clubs.

“I think people recognize the good these clubs are doing and the performance of kids involved here,” Moll said.

Victoria Liggins knows first hand how the impact the Boys and Girls Clubs can make.

“It has helped me through a lot of problems and situations, it has let me know things will be ok. It is fun to be there, to meet other kids I didn’t know,” Liggins said.

Next to Tupelo Public Schools, the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Mississippi have the largest gatherings of young people on a daily basis.

www.bgcnms.org